Overview
Supporting Rwanda’s continued economic development is one of U.S. Embassy Kigali’s main priorities. In addition to specific program and policy support facilitated by the Department of State, the U.S. Mission in Rwanda also fosters private sector development by working directly with U.S. and Rwandan businesses. We help American firms develop commercial ties, find local partners, and expand their investment in Rwanda. We also assist Rwandan companies establish and advance their trade and investment interests in the United States.
In this section, you’ll find a quick description of Rwanda as an export market and some suggestions for getting started. Additional inquiries about U.S. Economic and Commercial Services at U.S. Embassy Kigali can be routed to kigaliecon@state.gov. Inquiries about U.S. Food and Drug Administration work in Rwanda can be routed to US-FDA-AMALO@FDA.HHS.GOV.
Commercial Opportunities
Rwanda is eligible for preferential trade benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act and the General System of Preferences. The United States and Rwanda have a trade and investment framework agreement (signed in 2006) and a bilateral investment treaty (signed in 2011). The United States also has signed trade and investment framework agreements with the East African Community and with the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa. Rwanda is a member of both regional organizations.
U.S. business interests in Rwanda have been modest, with private U.S. investment in tea, coffee, energy, mining, water treatment, banking, franchising, telecommunications, and small holdings in services and manufacturing. U.S. exports to Rwanda include aircraft, pharmaceutical products, machinery, optic and medical instruments, and agricultural products. U.S. imports from Rwanda include coffee, basketwork, tungsten ore, and apparel and accessories.
